Romney backs Syrian rebels, stops short of promising troops

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mitt Romney said Wednesday that the United States should play an “active role” in making sure the opposition forces in Syria force President Bashir Assad’s regime from power — but stopped short of saying he would commit American troops to the conflict.

The Republican presidential nominee, speaking at a town-hall style campaign event held at a large manufacturer outside Columbus, said the United States should work with “work with our partners in the region” to make sure the “reasonable and responsible” dissonances in the country have “funding and weapons” they need to oust Assad.

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“We should play an active role,” Mr. Romney said. “That does not mean we should send in the troops or dropping bombs. It does mean actively participating in a place like Syria to assure that Assad goes and that a reasonable and responsible government follows.”